Fri Nov 7 16:31:44 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Referee calls for fines to stop diving

---

Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Spanish referee Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez has called for the authorities to get tough on cheats by hitting players who dive with $63,850 fines.

The experienced FIFA-listed referee, who was Spain's representative at Euro 2008, made the claim following the furore surrounding Atletico Madrid's 1-1 Champions League draw with Liverpool on Tuesday.

The Spanish club were furious after opposing captain Steven Gerrard appeared to dive to win a late penalty before the England midfielder rubbed salt into the wounds by converting the spot-kick himself.

"I am convinced that if we put fines of 50,000 euros and two or three-game bans for diving in the area then it would make people think," claimed Mejuto.

Meanwhile, the outspoken official also condemned club officials who publicly denounce referees after perceived poor performances.

He added: "The executives that attack the referees are guilty people too.

"If they do not know how to behave they stamp and shout but those who sit a box of a team should be an example, as should the players."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)